TEMPORARY VISAS

FOR REGISTERED

NURSES

Temporary Visas for Registered Nurses

Temporary Visas for RNs

A Brief History

H-1 Visas (1952-89)

H-1A Visas (1990-95)

No Working Visas for Most RNs since 1995

TNs for Canadian/Mexican RNs

H-1Bs if BSN is Required for Job

VisaScreen Requirement

(1996 – Present)

Nurses

Physical and Occupational Therapists

Speech Language Pathologists/Audiologists

Audiologists

Clinical Lab Scientists/Technicians

Physicians Assistants

Obtaining a VisaScreen Certificate

CGFNS Evaluates RN’s Education,

Training, Licensure and Experience

Competency in Oral and Written English

Performed by IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC

Exceptions to English Language Tests

Trade NAFTA (“TN”) Status

for RNs

For Canadian and Mexican Citizens Only

VisaScreen

NCLEX/CGFNS

State License

TDs for Spouse and Children

H-1B Visas for RNs (Part 1)

RN must have BSN or Equivalent

Job must require BSN or Equivalent

Prevailing Wage Requirement

Labor Conditional Application (LCA)

Posting Requirement/ Unions

H-1B Visas for RNs (Part 2)

85,000 Annual Cap on H-1B Visas

Cap-Subject Healthcare Employers

Cap-Exemption Healthcare Employers

USCIS Must Approve I-129 Petition

H-1B Visas for RNs (Part 3)

VisaScreen Certificate

CGFNS, NCLEX, State License

H-4 Status for Spouse/Children

Visa Valid for Up to 3 Years

3-Year Extension

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

For Nurses Educated in the US

One-Year OPT for AA, BSN, MSN

No VisaScreen/PWD Required

State License Required

Where to Find More Information

Nurse Immigration Guide

Free Immigration Newsletter

Job Opportunities